New Delhi: Emphasising the need for stronger athlete-centric governance in Indian sport, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Sunday said the future of the country’s sporting ecosystem must be guided by policies that place athletes at the centre of decision-making.
Speaking on Day 3 of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the SJFI National Convention at the India Habitat Centre, Usha stressed that the preparation, welfare and long-term development of athletes should remain the highest priority for sports administrators and governing bodies.
The convention is being organised by the Delhi Sports Journalists Association (DSJA). “Athlete-first governance must guide the future of Indian sport. Their preparation, welfare and development must remain our highest priority,” Usha said while addressing members of the sports media fraternity.
Reflecting on India’s evolving sporting landscape, Usha noted that the country stands at a significant moment in its sporting journey, supported by improved infrastructure, advanced scientific training methods and stronger institutional backing that enable athletes to compete confidently at the global level. “Over the past decade, we have witnessed a transformation in the way sport is supported and celebrated in our country. Athletes today benefit from better infrastructure, scientific training and stronger institutional support,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots development, Usha underlined that the true strength of Indian sport lies in villages, towns and schools where emerging talent continues to surface.
“The real strength of Indian sport lies in the grassroots — in the villages, towns and schools where young talent is waiting to be discovered. If we continue to invest in coaching, infrastructure and talent identification, India can consistently produce world-class athletes,” she added.
Usha also acknowledged the vital role played by sports journalism in shaping the country’s sporting ecosystem and inspiring young Indians to pursue sport. “Sports journalists are not just reporters of results but storytellers who capture the struggles, emotions and triumphs of athletes. Responsible and insightful sports journalism strengthens the foundations of sport in our country,” she said.
During a panel discussion at the convention, IOA Chief Executive Officer Raghuram Iyer highlighted that India currently stands at a pivotal stage in its sporting journey, driven by growing ambition, investment and participation. “I think India is currently at an inflection point in sport. We have the ambition and there is significant effort being put behind ensuring that those ambitions are met,” Iyer said.
He stressed that building a strong grassroots ecosystem is central to sustaining India’s sporting rise, beginning with encouraging wider community participation. “We need to create an entire sporting ecosystem where more people participate in sport at the community level. Once that base is created, the most talented athletes must be given the resources and support required to reach the highest level,” he said.
Iyer also highlighted India’s growing ambition to host major international sporting events as part of a broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure and elevate the country’s global sporting profile. “As a nation we are also looking at hosting major international events. The Commonwealth Games and other global competitions are part of that vision as India builds the foundation to host the Olympic Games in the future,” he added.